Choosing a place to raise a family is more than just schools. Parents want safe streets where kids can ride bikes, play with their friends, and communities that feel like home. Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to raise a family in New Jersey using 2025 data from Niche. The list considers schools, safety, outdoor activities, cost of living, and overall family friendliness. These 10 counties in New Jersey stand out for the balance they offer between education, recreation, and everyday life.
10. Hudson County
Hoboken and Secaucus offer tree-lined streets, waterfront paths, and local parks. Families can spend weekends outdoors or at community events. Hudson has 710,478 residents. Median household income is $90,032. Median home values are $508,600. Families benefit from plenty of outdoor activities and community resources.
9. Union County
Union combines suburban neighborhoods with easy access to New York City. Summit and Berkeley Heights have strong schools and safe streets where children can play. The county has 572,549 residents. Median household income is $100,117. Median home values are $488,800. Parks and weekend activities make it a welcoming place to raise children.
8. Burlington County
Burlington offers quiet streets and more space. Moorestown and Medford have yards and playgrounds. Families can enjoy local parks and open areas. The county has 464,226 residents. Median household income is $105,271. Median home values are $326,700. Good schools and affordable homes attract families.
7. Hunterdon County
Hunterdon has small-town charm and open fields. Raritan Township and Clinton provide quiet streets, strong schools, and safe neighborhoods. Families spend weekends at farmers markets or hiking nearby. The county has 129,448 residents. Median household income is $139,453. Median home values are $498,800. Outdoor activities and community life appeal to families.
6. Monmouth County
Monmouth combines schools with coastal access. Fair Haven and Little Silver have playgrounds, local events, and short drives to the Jersey Shore. The county has 643,615 residents. Median household income is $122,727. Median home values are $566,500. Families enjoy safe neighborhoods and recreational options.
5. Mercer County
Mercer attracts families to cultural hubs. Princeton and Pennington offer libraries, festivals, and strong schools. The county has 383,286 residents. Median household income is $96,333. Median home values are $351,000. Families benefit from both convenience and community life.
4. Morris County
Morris has safe streets and strong schools. Mountain Lakes, Chatham Township, and Madison have parks and playgrounds for children. The county has 510,375 residents. Median household income is $134,929. Median home values are $557,000. Families value education and neighborhood life.
3. Middlesex County
Middlesex blends affordable homes with quality schools. Metuchen, Plainsboro Center, and Cranbury have quiet streets, local shops, and parks. The county has 861,535 residents. Median household income is $109,028. Median home values are $439,300. Families enjoy a strong sense of community.
2. Bergen County
Bergen is the most populous county in New Jersey. Ho-Ho-Kus, Ridgewood, and River Edge have parks, organized sports, and strong schools. The county has 954,717 residents. Median household income is $123,715. Median home values are $593,200. Safe neighborhoods and outdoor activities appeal to families.
1. Somerset County
Somerset tops the list for family-friendly living. Bernardsville, Montgomery Township, and Green Brook Township have quiet streets, parks, and strong schools. The county has 346,203 residents. Median household income is $135,960. Median home values are $523,900. Families enjoy a balance of education, safety, and recreational opportunities.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.